[Euthanasia: the law, a few notions and the question of assisted suicide].
Conforming to the Belgian Law on Euthanasia of 28 May 2002, the definition of euthanasia is "an act practised by a third party intentionally, ending the life of a person at that person's request". Doctors who practise euthanasia commit no offence if they follow the prescribed conditions and procedures. The voluntary, well considered request for euthanasia must be initiated by an adult patient, complaining of unbearable physical or mental suffering caused by a serious and incurable medical condition, whether accidental or pathological. Consultation with a second doctor is required. If the death is not to be expected within a short period of time--in other words, for not terminally-ill patients--, the intervention of a third doctor is required, either a psychiatrist or a specialist of the patient's pathology. In that case, a delay of at least one month between the request and the euthanasia has to be respected. The doctor must declare the act of euthanasia to a Federal Commission composed of 8 doctors, 4 lawyers and 4 persons familiar with the problems of patients suffering from an incurable disease. This Commission has also to produce every other year a statistical and evaluation report for Parliament. The living will, called "advance declaration", is officially recognized but strictly limited to the state of irreversible unconsciousness of the patient. This law on the de-criminalization of euthanasia recognizes the right of personal autonomy for the patient and the principle of freedom of conscience for everyone. The law refers explicitly to the concept of euthanasia but does not specify the method to be used by the doctor. If it is the wish of the patient, and if the physical condition of the patient allows this solution, "assisted suicide" is permitted.
Herremans
J
J
Commission fédérale de Contrôle et d'Evaluation de l'Euthanasie. jherrema@ulb.ac.be
D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001530:Belgium; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013727:Terminal Care; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000208:ethnology